DRONE REGULATIONS HAVE BEEN CHANGED

Changes were made to drone use regulations in October 2016

The laws regulating the use of drones have been changed. Here's the low-down.

A drone is a remote-control, flying machine
that has the ability to take photos and video footage from above. Drones are being used increasingly by bush travellers to add dimension to their home
videos.

However, there are regulations covering their legal and safe use that you need to be aware of. Here is the latest information from the Australian Government
about flying drones, courtesy of our mates at the on-line iMotorhome Magazine.

New federal legislation allows people to operate very small RPAs (Remotely Piloted Aircraft) without certification. The term ‘very small’ limits such drones
to a maximum of two kilograms.

Although these lightweights are considered to be 'excluded aircraft', they still need to be operated in standard RPA operating conditions: within visual
line of sight; below 120 metres (400ft); in daylight and more 30 metres away from people other than the pilot.

Drones cannot be operated over populated areas; within three nautical miles (5.6 kilometres) of the movement area of a controlled aerodrome; in an aircraft-restricted
area and over an area where a fire, police or other public safety or emergency operation is being conducted.

There are heavy fines for operating drones outside these guidelines and iMotorhome has heard reports of law enforcement personnel trolling YouTube accounts
for drone footage that doesn’t meet the standards and sending fines to these drone users.